Bellamy Harbor Park

Come on!

Let’s find an image tonight.

Where?

Doesn’t matter where, they are everywhere…

Fine. Bellamy Harbor Park should give us plenty of opportunities. It will be like shooting landscapes in a gallery.

It was a calm evening with a few clouds in the sky. I like clouds. The light needs something to play off. I park at the lot next to the Mill Street bridge. Its a favorite location, especially at sunset. My first stop is on the bridge, aiming the camera west into the setting sun.

Not too bad. I like the appearance of a separate flow within the canal. First decision, keep crossing the bridge to get the park from across the canal or back to the park side to shoot down the canal hoping for something with the sun. I choose to stay on the park side of the canal.

Nice! Notice how the clouds form a pointer toward the sun. I’m also liking the reflection of the light in the calmer waters of the canal. Would this be better if I turn the camera? Let’s try one in portrait…

It’s OK. Not the image I was looking to capture. I do like the couple walking along the canal. They add a little to the story. The sun is about to poke below the clouds. Time to get ready for a sunburst. Shooting into the sun can produce challenges. I learned quite a few years ago how to make it work for me.

I switch the camera back to landscape orientation and change from aperture mode to manual mode. Adjust the exposure and wait. First image is straight into the sun. Plenty of flare and spots. No problem. Second image I place my finger over the sun. This removes the flare and spots. I can combine the two in Photoshop to create the image I want.

Now it is time to cross the bridge and see what the park looks like from the other side. I like the views of the park from across the canal. Plenty of space under the bridge to see the original park but also the new park across Mill Street.

Setting up low along the canal I can capture a sweeping view of the original Bellamy Park. I wish there wasn’t that big red floating structure in front of the boat house but I cannot complain about the colors or sky. Fantastic!

I only have to walk under the bridge to see the new addition to the park. A few years ago the city expanded the park adding a new pavilion. Last year Hamilton College built a facility for the rowing teams. I have yet to watch a race but it is definitely on my list for this year. I also like the view down the canal toward Utica…

Oh, wow! The sky is changing again. The sun has set and now I’m hoping the color will change as the sun reflects off the clouds. Time to get back across the bridge. The view from the bridge is one I cannot pass up. This is Bellamy Harbor…

The sky isn’t changing they way I hoped.

Be patient!

You always leave too early. How many times have you kicked yourself as you drive home? Hhhmmm? Too many.

Relax. Take a breath. Enjoy the view.

Oh wow! The lights came on.

Now, this is why you waited…

Well? Did you get any good images?

A few.

Being out there while the sun was setting was the experience.

Enjoy it.

Do it more often…